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The sump pump in your Cleveland, TN home is a submersible device that is installed at the lowest point in your home. A hole is dug in your basement or crawlspace, and the sump pump is placed in the hole. Most of the time, the pump doesn’t function, and it remains in standby mode. It won’t kick on until there are heavy rains.
Heavy rain will cause the soil around the home to get soaked. When it gets wet enough, the excess groundwater will begin to fill the pit where the pump is located. This will activate the sump pump, and it drains the water to a detention pond, dry well, or a storm drain. The sump pump in your Cleveland, TX home is your best defense against a basement flood.
A flooded basement can be damaging to the structure of your home’s foundation. If you have a finished basement, a flood can result in thousands of dollars in damage.
Because your sump pump is so essential, it is important that you can recognize the signs that it is time to call a plumber who specializes in sump pump services.
#1 Your Sump Pump Is Old
Like every appliance in your Cleveland, TX home, your sump pump has a life expectancy. Unfortunately, unlike many other appliances in your home, the life expectancy of your sump pump isn’t cut and dry. If you look in the owner’s manual to determine how long your sump pump will last, you likely won’t find anything. This is because sump pump manufacturers cannot guarantee a maximum lifespan.
Your sump pump’s lifespan depends on where you live, how much rain you get, and how hard your sump pump needs to work. For example, a sump pump will work longer for homeowners who live in the desert than for a homeowner who lives in the south. Also, if your sump pump doesn’t kick on often, it can burn out on its own over time.
You can either guess that your sump pump has a seven-year lifespan, or you can have annual sump pump services performed. When a plumber inspects your sump pump, they will be able to tell if it has reached its maximum lifespan or if you have a few years left.
#2 Your Sump Pump Is Rusty
If you are in the basement of your Cleveland, TX home and discover that there is rust on your sump pump, you should call a plumber specializing in sump pump service. You might believe that the rust is due to battery corrosion, but usually, that won’t be the case.
The rust is likely due to a bacteria called iron bacteria, which causes a dangerous discolored gel. The bacteria isn’t harmful to humans, but it can be very damaging to your sump pump and the attached plumbing. When it builds up, water can block the flow of water in the drainage system. When the sump pump is clogged, it won’t be able to do its job during a rainstorm, leaving you with a flooded basement. When you have these services performed, the plumber will inspect the appliance for any iron bacteria or any other buildup so that it can be thoroughly cleaned. This will ensure that your sump pump will continue working in the future.
#3 Your Sump Pump Is Making Strange Sounds
When your sump pump is in standby mode, it should be completely silent. When it is running, you shouldn’t hear anything more than a low-level humming. If you hear strange sounds, you should call a plumber who specializes in sump pump services.
If the noise is loud and constant, there could be a damaged or worn part. If you hear a grinding or rattling sound, the fan on the bottom of the sump pump that pulls the water into the pit could be damaged or jammed. There could also be hard debris stuck in the fan.
If you allow the problem to persist and don’t call for sump pump services right away, it is only a matter of time before it stops working completely. This can leave you with a big problem when an unexpected rainstorm hits.
#4 Your Sump Pump Is Running All The Time
Your sump pump should only kick on during a severe rainstorm that can cause a flood in your basement. If the sump pump in your Cleveland, TX home is constantly running, you should call a plumber who specializes in sump pump services. If the switch that activates the sump pump is damaged or disconnected, the sump pump will continue running. There could also be an issue with the float that lets the sump pump know when it needs to be running and when it doesn’t.
If you don’t call for service as soon as the problem begins, it will wear out a lot faster than it should, requiring an expensive replacement.
#5 The Sump Pump Is Kicking On and Off During a Rainstorm
Your sump pump is designed to kick on during a major rainstorm and stay on until the storm ends. If there is a major storm in Cleveland, TN, and your sump pump is switching on and off, you should call a plumber specializing in sump pump services.
The issue could be with the float switch or with the electrical system that powers the sump pump. It will take the knowledge and experience of a professional to figure out what is causing the problem so it can be repaired. To prevent a damaging flood, you should call for sump pump services as soon as you discover the problem.
Why Choose Metro Plumbing, Heating, and Air?
If you believe that you require sump pump services, schedule an appointment with Metro Plumbing, Heating, and Air. We are a family-owned and operated business that has been serving customers in the area since 1989.
We have an excellent reputation in the community and have a high standing in a few prestigious associations, including:
- The Better Business Bureau
- The Tennessee Association of Utility Districts
- The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association
- The Tennessee Chamber Of Commerce
We understand that your sump pump is essential, and it can fail to work at any time. This is why we offer 24/7 emergency sump pumping. If you are having issues with your sump pump on a clear day or during a severe rainstorm, we will be there.
To schedule an appointment for sump pump services or any other service, give us at Metro Plumbing, Heating & Air a call today.
